DOJ issues lookout bulletin for Bantag, Zulueta

LOOK: Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order issued for suspended BuCor chief Gerald Bantag and former BuCor deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta, the alleged masterminds in the deaths of broadcaster Percy Lapid and alleged middleman Jun Villamor @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/luEhHZ7KNs

— Joahna Lei Casilao (@joahnacasilao) December 20, 2022

The Department of Justice has issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order against suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and former deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta, the two alleged masterminds in the deaths of broadcaster Percy Lapid and middleman Jun Villamor.

However, the DOJ said the lookout bulletin is for “monitoring purposes only."

“[I]t is not, in and of itself, a sufficient prohibition for a subject’s departure from the Philippines,” it said.

According to the DOJ, there is a possibility that Bantag and Zulueta may leave the country.

“Considering the gravity of the offense charged in the criminal complaints, there is a strong possibility that respondents may attempt to place themselves beyond the reach of the legal process by leaving the country,” the memorandum read.

“Thus, this Department deems the issuances of an ILBO against the above-subject individuals prudent in order to at least monitor the itineraries of their flight travel, and/ or whereabouts,” it added.

In a message to reporters, Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the lookout bulletin order was implemented on December 9.

A lawyer for Zulueta said, "As it states that is for monitoring purposes only because the SOJ has no power to stop a citizen from travelling abroad."

Atty. Lauro Gacayan cited Article Three of the Constitution, which provided the right to travel may not be impaired except: [1] Upon lawful order of the court---which means a person has a pending criminal case before the Regional Trial Court or before the Sandiganbayan; and [2] in the interest of national security, public safety or public health as may be provided by law.

Both Bantag and Zulueta are facing two complaints for murder for the killing of Lapid and Villamor. They have since denied any role in the deaths of the two.

Lapid was shot dead in Las Piñas City on October 3 while Villamor died at the New Bilibid Prison.

An autopsy by forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun showed Villamor's remains to have a “history of asphyxia by plastic bag suffocation.” — RSJ/NB, GMA Integrated News